![]() In early childhood, brain development and social-emotional growth are at a critical stage. These experiences can be particularly harmful, because they occur at such a vulnerable phase of growth. One in every six adults experiences at least four ACEs, according to the CDC. Traumatic events that occur in early childhood are often referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Relational Trauma in Childhood: Big T or Little t Trauma? Traumatic stress is associated with a higher risk of suicide, as well as anxiety, depression, and co-occurring issues, including substance abuse and eating disorders. ![]() And trauma can have serious mental, physical, and emotional impacts on young people, negatively influencing daily functioning and relationships. Ultimately, any event or ongoing situation that causes distress, fear, and a sense of helplessness qualifies as trauma. In fact, there is now evidence that repeated exposure to little t trauma can cause more emotional harm than exposure to one big T traumatic event. While these incidents don’t threaten a young adult’s physical safety, they can produce the same trauma responses in adults and children as big T trauma does. For young adults, examples of small trauma might be a breakup, the death of a pet, losing a job, getting bullied, or being rejected by a friend group. Little t trauma refers to events that typically don’t involve violence or disaster, but do create significant distress. Chronic (ongoing) trauma, such as repeated abuse, can also qualify as big T trauma. In addition, acute psychological traumas, such as the death of a parent, are part of the big T trauma definition. This could be a natural disaster, a violent crime, a school shooting, or a serious car accident. Big T Trauma is generally related to a life-threatening event or situation. ![]() The main difference between big T and little t trauma, according to the standard definitions, is the event that catalyzed the traumatic response. “It’s not what happened on the outside, it’s what happened on the inside,” says Barbara Nosal, PhD, LMFT, LADC, Newport’s Chief Clinical Officer. What matters is the impact the traumatic experience had on the individual and how it continues to affect their life. Traumatic stress can catalyze PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, physical problems, and other mental health and co-occurring disorders.Īt Newport Institute, we don’t distinguish between big T and little t trauma. Regardless of how they are labeled, however, all types of trauma can have negative effects on young adults. The idea is that some traumatic events are more intense and severe than others. Little t Trauma in Young Adults: Is There a Difference? Reading Time: 6 minutesĭoes trauma come in different sizes? In the mental health field, traumatic experiences are sometimes categorized as big T vs. ![]()
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